Board votes to raise tuition cost
New course fees to be considered at the next meeting

By KC Crouse · The Mainstream
Published April 12, 2011

Despite student concerns over the rising expense of college, board members passed an increase in tuition and registration fees at the last board meeting, and additional course specific fees are up for consideration in coming board meetings.

The $5 tuition increase per credit beginning in the 2011-1012 school year will bring the total cost of tuition up to $72 per credit from the current $66. Students' per-term registration fee also increased $5, bringing the cost to register for classes each term to $20.

The tuition increase was in reaction to a projected $800,000 budget shortfall.

The additional $5 in the registration fee per term was for student liability insurance. This will provide students with accident insurance while they are involved in college classes and activities or traveling on college business.

Through a series of unfortunate events, the word about the proposed increase did not get out to students in a timely fashion. Through the last minute efforts of a few passionate students who spoke at the board meeting, the board postponed their vote on the tuition increases. Students were granted two forums to talk about and find other options other than the proposed tuition and registration fee increase.

"We don’t ask for tuition increases lightly because we know how hard it is for the board to approve [them,] and we know how hard this is for students. This isn't something we just do; we take this very seriously," Bev Brandt, vice president of administrative services, said in the forum.

But the raises aren't over yet. The proposed fee increases will be discussed in the next board meeting, April 13.

One of these proposed increases is an additional $5 for graduation applications, bringing the graduation fee up to $30. This cost covers cap, gown, tassel, and your diploma. For GED/HSD graduation there is a proposed fee of $15; previously no fee has been associated with GED/HSD graduation.

The other proposed changes in fees will be particular and course specific. These fees were requested by their corresponding department chair and will not be mixed into the general fund. The art fee, if passed, will allow faculty to buy supplies in bulk thereby saving students in the long run (they will also allow faculty to start instruction from day one). The engineering and surveying fee for two year students will be $20 if passed to build a pool of money for future work opportunities. A $2 tech fee will also be considered for non-credit student (community ed, adult basic skills).

ASUCC and all of the other community colleges in Oregon are participating in a post card campaign petitioning the state to prioritize funding for higher education. "We want to flood them with these cards, letting them know that something needs to change," ASUCC Vice President Cody Norris said.

ASUCC senators will be carrying post cards for students to sign until Friday, April 22. There will also be a rally on April 25 at the State Capitol.